Frenkie de Jong’s career at Barcelona has been a saga of unrealized possibilities, increasing friction, and a fanbase polarized
between appreciation for his tactical genius and disappointment in his evident flaws. https://fandejong.com/
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## The Unachieved Promise: From Ajax Wunderkind to Barcelona’s Conundrum
The Dutch midfielder arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 as one of Europe’s highly coveted midfield maestros, coming off a Champions League penultimate stage appearance with Ajax that showcased his aptitude to dictate games with grace and insight. His €75 million signing represented a strategic purchase in a player equipped of anchoring Barcelona’s central core.
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## The Injury Plague: Catalyst for Disillusionment
De Jong’s 2023-24 season marked a turning point in fan opinion. A devastating ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde sidelined him for six months. His rushed return led to ongoing complications, with medical staff recommending for an operation – an option De Jong rejected in favor of conservative therapy.
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## Financial Deadlock: Postponed Salaries and Allegiance Doubted
The center of the conflict lies in De Jong’s contract terms – a relic from Josep Maria Bartomeu’s fiscally negligent leadership. To navigate COVID-19 losses, Barcelona postponed €17 million of his earnings, creating a expanding €30 million debt that grows through 2026. This economic model, combined with La Liga’s payroll constraints, restricted the club’s ability to enroll new signings.
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## The Derision Episode: Low Point in Player-Supporter Relations
The climax of animosity occurred on November 26, 2024, during Barcelona’s Champions League encounter against Brest. When replaced in the 88th minute, De Jong was greeted by scornful catcalls and chants of “Fora De Jong!” – a sharp difference to the acclaim bestowed upon Pedri. Manager Hansi Flick’s clear annoyance with the crowd underscored the poisonous environment.
